Arsenal news: Eddie Howe brands link to replacing Arsene Wenger 'meaningless'

It has been reported that the Arsenal hierarchy are seriously considering a move to appoint Howe should Wenger leave at the end of his contract

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Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says speculation linking him with replacing Arsene Wenger at Arsenal is “meaningless” after reports suggested the north London club consider him the perfect option for when the Frenchman steps down.

It has been reported that the Arsenal hierarchy are seriously considering a move to appoint Howe should Wenger leave at the end of his contract in May, but the 38-year-old appeared unprepared to discuss the suggestion this week.

Speaking ahead of Bournemouth’s match against West Bromwich Albion this weekend, Howe said: “I'd rather be linked doing something right than the other way, but my only focus is winning with Bournemouth.

“I am loyal. I love the town and I want to continue that association for as long as possible. It's meaningless. I don't want to hear it. I don't need to hear it. I just want to win games.

“It's very hard to predict the future. If you try to then you come unstuck. In football management, you live week to week. You turn a blind eye to speculation and anyone that tells me about it I believe it is not meaningful and it doesn't help me get results for this club.”

Jack Wilshere, who joined the Cherries on loan from Arsenal on transfer deadline day last week, is in line to make his competitive debut for Howe’s men this weekend.

“He has settled in very well with the changing room and dynamics of the group,” Howe added.

“He's given the whole club a lift and raised levels in training. He's been very bright in training and his technical ability is of a very high level. We'll see what my team selection is.”